Curiously, the program bestows no such awards for training camp even though the end results can make or break a season.

Now that camp is over the focus shifts to preparation for Washington State. But before we dive into the challenges the Scarlet Knights face in the Aug. 28 opener and beyond this season, let's first review the top performers from Rutgers' 19-day, 20-practice preseason camp.

Dan Duggan's picks:

Offensive MVP: QB Gary Nova. Nova typically looks good in practice, but his performance in training camp can't be overlooked. He's the most important player on the team and he appears ready to accept that responsibility.

The impact of offensive coordinator Ralph Friedgen can't be overstated, as Nova has improved his mechanics and his decision-making. It remains to be seen if the strong offseason will carry over, but Nova couldn't have done more to show that he's ready for his senior year.

Defensive MVP: DT Darius Hamilton. Hamilton picked up where he left off at the end of last season with a dominant training camp. The junior defensive tackle was a terror throughout camp, frequently breaking into the backfield to disrupt the offense.

Questions linger about Hamilton's size, but his skill level and motor have him on the verge of being an unstoppable force on the defensive line.

Offensive most improved: WR Andre Patton. Patton entered camp as a starting wide receiver, but his role in the offense became more prominent after Ruhann Peele went down with an upper body injury in the fourth practice. Patton, who had three catches for 49 yards last season, seized the No. 2 wide receiver spot behind Leonte Carroo with a combination of precise route-running and strong hands.

Patton had three catches for 72 yards and three touchdowns in the final scrimmage of training camp, which was the latest sign that the sophomore is ready for a bigger role this season.

Defensive most improved: DE Kemoko Turay. There's no doubt that Turay still has a long way to go to become an every-down player. But while the redshirt freshman develops, he appears ready to contribute as a pass-rushing specialist.

The 6-foot-6, 235-pound defensive end consistently pressured the quarterbacks in camp scrimmages. Turay figures to be turned loose in passing situations this season to see if he can terrorize opposing quarterbacks.
Impact freshman: RBs Josh Hicks and Robert Martin. These two freshmen are a package deal at this point, as both have flashed potential, but neither has pulled ahead in the push for playing time.

Hicks and Martin should contribute on special teams immediately, and there will be opportunities for both offensively. Flood's comfort with the freshmen allowed him to move backup running back Justin Goodwin to defense. With only Paul James and Desmon Peoples ahead of them on the depth chart, Hicks and Martin should get a chance to make an impact on offense.

Keith Sargeant's picks:

Offensive MVP: Betim Bujari. There haven't been many mentions of Rutgers' fifth-year center in our daily practice reports, and that's a good thing. Bujari has been as dependable as he's ever been in solidifying a Rutgers offensive line that's expected to be much improved this fall. Bujari, who has started in 20 of the 22 games he's played in the past two seasons, is a Rimington Trophy preseason candidate.

Defensive MVP: David Milewski. It's hardly a surprise that the fifth-year senior enjoyed his best training camp for the Scarlet Knights. Now two years removed from his third ACL surgery, the 6-4, 245-pound Milewski has looked rejuvenated after the first healthy season of his collegiate career. "I think he is stronger than he's been just by virtue of having that offseason, which would make him more explosive,'' Rutgers coach Kyle Flood said. "But the thing that jumps out to me is he is such a high-motor guy. He seems to be everywhere on the football field."

Offensive Most Improved: Matt Flanagan. Nick Arcidiacono was penciled in as the backup behind starting tight end Tyler Kroft entering camp, but the sophomore has spent the better part of the camp sidelined with an injury. That has left the door open for Flanagan, and the redshirt freshman out of Mendham High has made the most of his opportunities. The 6-6, 230-pounder is in line to contribute as either a blocking tight end or in two-TE packages this season.

Defensive Most Improved: Sebastian Joseph. The redshirt freshman ended camp on a high note, drawing raves from Flood for his play during Saturday's scrimmage. While it's no given that Joseph will start as he remains in a tight competition with Kenneth Kirksey for the nose guard spot, the 6-4, 285-pounder from Stroudsburg, Pa., will be relied on to be a disruptive force on a deep and talented Rutgers defensive line.

Impact Freshman: Dre Boggs. No first-year player in Rutgers' camp this summer drew more attention than Boggs, who worked his way to the first-team defense at cornerback before an injury sidelined him last week. All you need to know about how dynamic this 5-11, 175-pound rookie can be was clear in his first practice back Monday night, when he returned an interception 100 yards for a score.